Tonights hunt definetly didn't go the way I was hoping. I got setup in my stand much later then I had originally planned on. It was a rather quiet afternoon with the exception of a racoon that was entertaining to watch. As the sun started setting I started hearing movement to my left. I looked over to see a doe coming from the field down a path that I was setup against. Being as I have never taken a deer yet my mind was instantly made up that should it present a shot I would take it. Slowely this deer made its way along the path, all the while the sky was getting darker and darker. I had an opportunity to draw just as she stepped behind a tree. At this point she was behind me so I repositioned on the opposite side of my tree for another chance. By this point I still had visuals of the deer and my pins. And here is where I feel like an ASS!!! I drew my bow and was ready to take the shot. Just as this happened I lost sight of my peep in the dark. Soon as I let that arrow fly I knew that was an ass thing to do. I hit the deer and she quickly turned back towards where she came from. Thus going behind my tree. With the dark now and my tree in the way I had no visual or way to put in a second shot. I was able to tell that I did hit her but extremely far back. I could hear her go up the hill about 30 yards or so but I never regained visual of her. I waited in the tree for over an hour then decided to get down. Since I know it was such a bad shot I decided to wait till morning but what a lousy night I will have. Definetly not how I wanted my first deer to be taken.
I wish you good luck on your search for her. I'd beat you up for taking an 'iffy' shot but you're probably beating yourself up more than I could anyhow. Good luck Jim!
Well, you did the right thing by backing out and waiting until tomorrow to go back and looking for her. Good luck, I really hope you find her.
Well, good luck finding here in the AM, who knows you might of caught the liver. Anyway good luck and keep us posted!
I was worried about this very thing happening on the 160" buck that came to my food plot just at last light tonight. I drew my bow once and couldn't see the pins. Let down and turned on the pin light. The the light was to bright and I couldn't see the deer. So he lives another day. You will learn with experiance. The problem is, some of the experiances are no fun!!
That's a toughy Fergy!! Not much one can say I guess, you already know. I wish you the best In the morning, good luck!
Well, it is a tough night already. Need to get some sleep so I can get an early start in the morning but don't think I will sleep much. I have no doubt that I will find her in the morning. Just hope the yotes don't get to her first.
Good luck in your search guys. Ferg- Many of us have been in a similar position so don't beat yourself up too bad.
No need to feel like an ass here Ferg got HIM! He will fill you in later today I am going to show him a quick easy gut job.
Great to hear that you guys found her. Nothing like making a bad shot but finding her means something good came of this. It is really gut twisting when you make a bad shot and do not find the deer.
At least there is a happy ending to this story. Nice job on the recovery. And a big CONGRATS on your first deer.
Just talked to Peakrut and then called Fergus. The deer is actually a Buck and Peakrut is in route to help dress it out. Fergus said he will be on here later today with the story. Looks like Fergus is no longer a Bowhunting Virgin!!
